Holidays with Downtown

Are you planning to visit Georgia in the near future? Great idea: It’s a lovely this country! The landscapes are grandiose, the cities have a real charm, the food is very good, and the general atmosphere makes you travel back in time. It’s clearly a destination worth discovering today.

Day 1: Tbilisi

Early arrival at Tbilisi Airport. After Immigration and Custom formalities. you’ll be met by your guide for a transfer to the hotel.

Day 2: Tbilisi (Sighnaghi, Tsinandali, Gareji)

Encounter the true Tbilisi spirit, with the visits to the Old Tbilisi Sulfur Baths, Georgian Orthodox and Armenian Gregorian churches, a Jewish synagogue and a Turkish mosque side by side, reflecting Tbilisi's acceptance and tolerance of different religions. Observe the 19th century wooden Italian dwellings that are still preserved here. See a recent monument, the Tbilisi Sameba Cathedral, the largest cathedral in the Caucasus. Departure to Sighnaghi to visit Bodbe Convent, the resting place of St.Nino, the enlightener of the Georgian nation and spreader of Christianity in Georgia.  The town is also famous for its traditional carpets. Enjoy the landscapes and discover its history. Next destination is Tsinandali to visit the museum of the famous Georgian Poet Aleksandre Chavchavadze. Next in the program is the Davit Gareja rock-hewn Georgian Orthodox monastery complex dating from the 6th century. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. [B/D]

Day 3: Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Ananury, Kazbegi

Departure to Kazbegi (now Stepantsminda) to visit the Svetitskhoveli and Jvari (6th CE) monasteries in Mtskheta.  The first stop of the day is the Jvari Monastery, situated on a large hill that overlooks the town of Mtskheta and rises just above a huge stretch of river at the confluence of the Koura and Aragvi rivers providing a really beautiful view. Jvari Monastery was built in the 6th century, then a stone wall was erected in the Middle Ages to protect the complex. Today, only ruins remain, but the church, located in the center, is still standing and can be visited. The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (4th century) is one of the most sacred and magnificent churches in Georgia, and the second holy place of Christ, after the Church of Jerusalem, known for its bloody treasures and the cornerstones of the church. The architecture of the cathedral, surrounded by outside walls, is magnificent. Beautifully and finely decorated, it exposes many beautiful paintings and maps. Several members of the Georgian royal family, including the last two generations of the Kings of Georgia, rest there. On the way to Kazbegi visit Ananuri castle complex. In Kazbegi visit the museum of the famous Georgian writer Aleksandre Kazbegi. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. [B/D]

Note: To visit the Churches men cannot wear shorts and women must have their heads covered.

Day 4: Kazbegi, Kutaisi

Start with Gergeti Trinity Church, built in the 14th century and located on the right bank of the river Chkheri, under Mount Kazbegi, at an altitude of 7,120 feet. The monastic complex includes an inscribed cross church (the only one in the province of Khévi), a bell tower (both from the 14th century) and a council building against the southern wall of the 'church built in the 15th century. After the visit continue to Kutaisi to visit the Gelati Monastery, founded in 1106, a masterpiece of the Golden Age of medieval Georgia, a period of political strength and economic growth between the 11th and 13th centuries. It is characterized by the facades of smoothly hewn large blocks, balanced proportions and blind arches for exterior decoration. The Gelati monastery, one of the largest medieval Orthodox monasteries, was also a center of science and education and the Academy it housed was one of the most important culture centers of in ancient Georgia. About 4 miles northwest of Kutaisi is the Motsameta Monastery, picturesquely located on the cliff of a promontory. Its name, whose meaning is the "Place of the Martyrs", is related to the brothers of a noble who organized a rebellion against the occupying Arabs in the 8th century. Continue to the Bagrati Cathedral, built in the early years of the 11th century, during the reign of King Bagrat III, due to which it was called "Bagrati. Until the end of the 17th century, the monument was safely preserved. In 1692, the Ottomans captured the Kutaisi fortress and blew up the Bagrati temple during the battle. Finally, be surprised by Sataplia caves. Discover historical-cultural places, see a dinosaur footprint and the karst cave. Return to Kuaisi for dinner and overnight. [B/D]

Day 5: Kutaisi, Mestia

This morning will be spent traveling on the Caucasus Mountains to reach Mestia, a highland townlet in northwest Georgia at an elevation of 4,920 feet, where we’ll arrive in time for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Ethnographic museum and the house museum of the famous Georgian alpinist Mikheil Khergiani. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. [B/D]

Day 6: Mestia, Ushguli, Kutaisi

Departure to Ushguli, the highest continually inhabited settlement in Europe, at 7,215 feet. Here, against the snowy backdrop of Mount Shkhara, medieval stone towers stand at attention like an immovable brigade. Cool, thin air whips across the hills. The nearest town, located 30 miles away, is cut off by snow from October to April, which puts the 30 local families in virtual isolation for half of the year. On the way to Ugviri Pass, see the mount summits of Tetnuldi (15,853 feet) and Ushba (15,420 feet). Visit the Lamaria Church dating from the 9th century. Departure to Kutaisi for dinner and overnight. [B/D]

Day 7: Kutaisi (Katskhi)

Today, we travel to Katskhi to see the imposing limestone monolithic pillar 131 feet tall. In pagan times, before the advent of Christianity, the towering Katskhi Pillar was thought to represent a local god of fertility. With the arrival of Christianity in Georgia, in the 4th century, the rock came to represent seclusion. The locals call it the Pillar of Life. At the summit of the Katskhi pillar, are the remains of a a complex composed of a monastery church and cells for hermits built between the 6th and 8th centuries. The final approach to this spiritual landmark is made by foot. You will need to trek the 20-minute hike in which the monolith suddenly soars in the vibrant Georgian landscape horizon. Consider it an enchanting experience that will only intensify as you near the pillar itself. A climb up to the steps is a sure sign that you will be nearly there. After the visit, return to Kutausi for dinner and overnight. [B/D]

Day 8: Kutaisi, Tbilisi

Morning departure to Tbilisi, arriving in time for lunch and check-in at your hotel. Free afternoon. [B]

Day 9: Tbilisi, USA

Very early transfer to the airport to board your flight back home.

[B] = Breakfast | [B/D] = Breakfast and Dinner